Hello Mama,

Welcome to Made To Lactate!

I’m Sjanelle Bottger, founder of Made To Lactate.

Like you, I’m a mom who wants nothing but the best for her babies! As a breastfeeding mother of two and a Certified Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor, I’m deeply passionate about supporting other mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.

Let me share my story with you.

Our journey began in 2020, during the heart of lockdown. I was pregnant and separated from my husband for 11 long months—not by choice, but because of Covid. With 10,000 km between us, he missed many precious moments of the pregnancy. Giving birth without him by my side was incredibly difficult, and it impacted my ability to breastfeed successfully.

I was overwhelmed with feelings of failure and “mom guilt.” All I wanted was to breastfeed my baby boy, but I ended up supplementing with formula—a choice that still stings. No mother should feel like she’s failing her baby.

With the support of a lactation consultant, I began expressing every two hours, practiced skin-to-skin, and tried various lactation products to help boost my supply. Eventually, I had enough milk for my little one. The best moment? Tossing that tin of formula for good!

But the pressure took a toll, and I developed severe postpartum depression (PPD). After several counseling sessions, I learned how to manage and cope with it—and I want other moms to know they're not alone.

When I returned to South Africa, I was met with another challenge: the lack of quality lactation products. That realization sparked the creation of Made To Lactate—a business born from struggle and fueled by hope. On August 3, 2021, I officially registered Made To Lactate (Pty) Ltd and began to develop delicious lactation lattes to support one’s milk supply.

Fast forward to June 2024—our baby girl was born!
This time, my husband was by my side, and while the pregnancy wasn’t easy—thanks to hyperemesis gravidarum and gestational diabetes—we faced it together.

My second breastfeeding journey has also come with its own set of challenges. Our daughter had trouble latching, and for two weeks I syringe-fed her expressed colostrum and breastmilk. Determined not to rely on formula again, I leaned into my knowledge and our lactation lattes to support my supply. After days of focused effort and support, we achieved that deep, comfortable latch—and we’ve been thriving ever since!

My mission is clear: to build a supportive community around breastfeeding and provide high-quality lactation products—so no mother feels alone in her journey.
Our lactation drinks are crafted to help boost your milk supply, but remember: breastfeeding or expressing every 3–4 hours is key. That consistent stimulation tells your body to make more milk!

And let’s talk about postpartum depression—because we must.
We mamas need to support each other through every phase. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which helps with both milk letdown and emotional bonding. For many women, it’s a natural mood booster. But when mental health challenges arise, it’s okay to ask for help. Talk to your healthcare provider—they can guide you toward the right treatment for you. Taking that step is a powerful way to care for yourself and your baby.

Breastfeeding should be memorable—not painful.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, it might be due to a shallow latch. That’s something that can be addressed—with the help of peer counsellors and lactation consultants, you can breastfeed more comfortably.

Made To Lactate is more than a lactation brand—it’s a community.
We’re here to support moms like you. Every day, we connect with incredible mothers who share similar journeys, and those shared stories help build a strong, nurturing network.

I’d love to hear your story, mama! Share it with us so we can get to know each other better. Let’s build a beautiful, connected community that uplifts and empowers every step of the motherhood journey.

If you have any questions or just want to reach out, I’m here for you.

With love,
Sjanelle Bottger
Founder & Director
Made To Lactate (Pty) Ltd